The 1950's
Brown V.S Board of Education
What was the case about?
In 1945 Linda Brown, and African American student, wanted to attend an all-white school that was right down the street instead of going to her all-black school that was miles away. When this case was taken to court, the court decision had over turned Plessy v. Ferguson and claimed that separate but equal had no place in education. U.S schools had now been forced into integration. In the response to Brown v. Board of Education, white schools in the south had resisted the courts decision. The Governor of Arkansas had ordered the National Guard to prevent 9 blacks from entering an all-white central high school. In response to the Governors decision, President Eisenhower federalizes the National Guard and then used them to force integration into the school.A young black girl in elementary school wanted to attend the all white school that was close to her house instead of riding the long, six block bus ride. Was separate but equal really equal?
When did this occur?
1954
Who was involved?
Linda Brown
Chief Justice Warren
NAACP
Brown VS Board of Education
What was the Constitutional issue involved?
Separate but equal deprived the rights from the 14th Amendment
How did the Supreme Court rule?
Separate but equal was unconstitutional. Also it unanimously overturned Plessy v. Ferguson.
The 1896 court case, Plessy v. Ferguson was overturned that "separate but equal" was unconstitutional. In this case, Homer Plessy purchased a first-class ticket for a train from New Orleans to Covington. Homer is a mixed Caucasian and African Descent. He was about 1/8 African, and he looked to be white but was considered black under the state laws. Plessy was told to move from his seat, but refused to do so. As a result of his refusal, the local police were called, removed him and put him in jail. The arrest and imprisonment were based on 1890 act of Louisiana. "Separate but equal" doctrine was established as law after the Supreme Court upheld the lower court decision on the conviction. If the separate facilities for races could be "equal" they were allowed.
